The U.S. Senate passed a bill Wednesday to stop the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers fromrestricting fishing access around Corps dams, specifically along the Cumberland River.
Sen. Mitch McConnell sponsored the bill.
The Corps of Engineers wants to install signage and a line of buoys separating fishermen from what they characterize “hazardous waters.” Legislators like McConnell felt the economic impact it would have on tourism outweighed any potential dangers.
The bill takes these decisions out of the hands of the USACE, and gives states the right to enforce public areas.
While McConnell’s camp is touting this as a victory, the Corps of Engineers had no comment, considering the bill pending legislation as it awaits action by the president.